Alabama

Deputies plan checkpoints, more patrols over holidays

Baldwin County Sheriff Huey Mack said deputies will conduct traffic checkpoints and increase patrols during the holidays.

As the holidays begin, deputies in Baldwin County will be keeping a close eye out for impaired drivers or suspicious activity.

Starting Friday and continuing through New Year’s Day, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting various traffic safety checkpoints along with close patrols on homes and businesses.

At checkpoints, deputies be looking for current driver’s licenses, registration, insurance information and seat belt use in addition to ferreting out drunk drivers, distracted drivers, drug offenders and people with warrants, according to Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack.

He said the agency received a federal grant that will allow the department to put more personnel out in high-traffic areas.

Deputies will also be stepping up patrols in neighborhoods and business areas, he said.

In the past, Baldwin County was more of a beach destination. But with the explosion of stores and shopping centers over the years, the county has become a big retail destination. As a result, criminal activity — such as thefts and vehicle break-ins — jumps during the holidays, Mack said.

Mack reminded everyone to be responsible and safe.

“The biggest thing you can do is the easiest thing you can do, and that’s to be mindful of what’s going on around you,” he said. “Most people become victims this time of year because they let their guard down.”

He urged holiday shoppers go out in groups of two or more. “There’s safety in numbers,” he said.

Homes and vehicles should be locked when unoccupied. When shopping, park only in well-lighted public areas.

Use designated drivers who should make sure all occupants of the vehicle have seat belts on.

“If you follow the common-sense rules, you’re going to be fine,” he said.

With the agency’s checkpoints on the roadways and increased patrols in business and residential areas, “we’re hoping our presence will deter some of the other crimes,” Mack said.

Residents, including school children at home during the holidays, should immediately report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods, he said. One frustration of law enforcement is that people frequently wait hours or even days to tell authorities about something suspicious, Mack said.

He urged residents to call 911 in an emergency. Otherwise, call 251-937-0202 or 251-972-6802 to report suspicious activity. He said reports and tips can also be made on the agency’s website at www.sheriffofbaldwin.com.

The department gets about two or three anonymous tips on criminal activity a day via the site, according to Mack. The site has even yielded reports about domestic violence and elderly residents who are not being properly cared for, he said.